Oh. My. Gosh. Did someone say VEGAN VANILLA ICE CREAM?! 🍦✨
Get ready to have your taste buds BLOWN because I’m about to share 10 ah-mazing vegan vanilla ice cream recipes that’ll make you forget dairy ever existed.
As a longtime vegan and ice cream enthusiast (it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it), I’ve teamed up with some of the coolest plant-based chefs to bring you these creamy dreamy concoctions.
Whether you’re craving classic vanilla, looking for a protein-packed post-workout treat, or want to impress your friends with some fancy schmancy flavors – I’ve got you covered.
The best part? These recipes are SO easy, you’ll be churning out batches faster than you can say “brain freeze.”
So grab your ice cream maker (or not – we’ve got no-churn options too!), and let’s dive into vegan vanilla heaven!
Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Look, I get it. Sometimes you just want the OG – no frills, no fuss, just pure vanilla bliss. This recipe delivers exactly that.
Using cashews as a base (trust me, it works), this ice cream is ultra-creamy and packed with real vanilla bean specks. It’s like the little black dress of vegan ice cream – timeless, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Pro tip: Splurge on high-quality vanilla beans. Your taste buds will thank you.
Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream
Calling all tropical flavor enthusiasts! This coconut-based vanilla ice cream is basically a vacation in a bowl.
The secret? Full-fat coconut milk. It gives the ice cream that luscious, velvety texture we all crave. Add in some vanilla extract and a touch of agave, and boom – you’ve got yourself a dairy-free masterpiece.
Fun fact: I once made this for a beach picnic, and let’s just say it didn’t last long enough to melt. #SummerGoals
Banana Nice Cream
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Banana ice cream? Really?” But hear me out!
This ridiculously simple recipe only requires frozen bananas, a splash of plant milk, and vanilla extract. Blend it up, and you’ve got instant soft-serve that’s actually good for you. Mind = blown. 🤯
Bonus: It’s the perfect excuse to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. You’re welcome.
Almond Milk Vanilla Ice Cream
For all my nut milk lovers out there, this one’s for you. This almond milk-based ice cream is lighter than its cashew or coconut counterparts, but still packs a flavorful punch.
The key is to use a high-quality, creamy almond milk (or make your own if you’re feeling fancy). Add some vanilla, a touch of almond extract for extra nuttiness, and you’re good to go.
I like to sprinkle some toasted almonds on top for crunch. Because let’s face it, texture is everything.
Oat Milk Vanilla Ice Cream
Hold the phone – did someone say oat milk ice cream? You betcha!
This recipe is perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone who’s jumped on the oat milk bandwagon (no judgment here, I’m right there with you).
The oat milk gives it a subtle, almost cookie-like flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla. It’s like dunking an oatmeal cookie in a glass of cold milk, but WAY better.
Avocado Vanilla Ice Cream
I know, I know. Avocado in ice cream sounds kind of weird. But trust me on this one – it’s a game-changer.
The avocado gives the ice cream an incredibly smooth, buttery texture without any funky taste. Plus, it’s loaded with healthy fats, so you can totally count this as a serving of vegetables. Right? RIGHT?
Pro tip: This one’s best eaten fresh, as it can oxidize and turn a bit brown if stored too long. But let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long anyway.
Protein-Packed Vanilla Ice Cream
Attention gym rats and protein fiends! This one’s for you.
By adding your favorite vegan protein powder to a classic vanilla base, you can turn your post-workout snack into a legitimate dessert. I mean, who says you can’t have your gains and eat ice cream too?
My personal fave is vanilla pea protein, but feel free to experiment with different flavors. Chocolate protein in vanilla ice cream? Yes, please!
No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
No ice cream maker? No problem! This no-churn recipe is so easy, it almost feels like cheating.
Using whipped coconut cream as a base, this ice cream is fluffy, creamy, and requires zero special equipment. Just mix, freeze, and try not to eat it all in one sitting (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything… 👀).
Bonus: This recipe is perfect for those late-night ice cream cravings when you CAN’T EVEN with the idea of hauling out the ice cream maker.
Vanilla Chai Ice Cream
For all my spice lovers out there, this vanilla chai ice cream is about to rock your world.
Start with a classic vanilla base, then add in your favorite chai spices – cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, the works. The result? A warm, cozy flavor that’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a soft blanket… made of ice cream.
I like to sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for added texture. It’s like a chai latte and a cookie had a baby, and that baby was ice cream.
Vanilla Lavender Ice Cream
Feeling fancy? This vanilla lavender ice cream is here to elevate your dessert game.
Using dried culinary lavender (emphasis on culinary – you don’t want your ice cream tasting like grandma’s soap), this recipe adds a delicate floral note to classic vanilla. It’s sophisticated, it’s unexpected, and it’s totally Instagram-worthy.
Word to the wise: A little lavender goes a long way. Start small and taste as you go, unless you want your ice cream to taste like a bouquet (been there, done that, lesson learned).
And there you have it, folks! 10 vegan vanilla ice cream recipes that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with dairy in the first place.
Whether you’re a vanilla purist or an adventurous flavor explorer, there’s something here for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Get churning, get scooping, and most importantly, get eating!
Remember, life’s too short for bad ice cream. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some ahem quality control to attend to. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! 🍦💁♀️